Perforomist Uses

Although Perforomist is approved to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a healthcare provider may prescribe the medication "off-label" to treat asthma. Perforomist is part of a class of medications called beta agonists and works by opening up the airways to the lungs. The medication is inhaled into the lungs using a nebulizer. Perforomist uses in children have not been approved.

Perforomist Drug Information

What Is Perforomist Used For?

Perforomist™ (formoterol solution) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is part of a class of medications known as beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Perforomist is used in a nebulizer, a device that changes liquid medications into fine droplets that are inhaled into the lungs.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which the lungs are damaged, making it difficult to breathe. In COPD, the airways (the tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs) are partly obstructed, making it difficult to get air in and out. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two kinds of COPD. While smoking is the most common cause of COPD, there are other possible causes of COPD. Common COPD symptoms may include:

Sputum (mucus) production
Shortness of breath, especially with exercise
Coughing
Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)
Chest tightness.

Depending on the severity of your COPD, your healthcare provider may recommend a number of medications as part of your COPD treatment, including:

Bronchodilators
Steroids (such as inhaled steroids)
A flu shot
Pneumococcal vaccine.

Lifestyle changes are also recommended (see Living With COPD and COPD Rehabilitation). Perforomist is a bronchodilator, which means that it helps to open up the airways.

(Perforomist Uses Continued: Page 2)